Sir Argus (Brian Hayes) starts over fences in the beginners chase over 2m 6f. He jumps well and is in good form at home. He’ll relish this trip and will handle the ground. He should be a big player.
We have three runners in the 2m 2f novice chase. Hercule Du Seuil (Mark Walsh) is a very good jumper and was impressive when winning at Ballinrobe and Killarney. He will be okay on the ground and has every chance of making it three in a row. The only slight reservation is how he will cope with this undulating track. Tax For Max (Paul) jumps well and will like the ground. His hurdle rating gives him a good each-way shout here. Heia (Danny) seems to be improving but might find easier opportunities in the weeks ahead.
We also run three in the competitive novice hurdle over 2m 4f. What Path (Paul) is a course winner and was an easy winner over 3 miles at Kilbeggan last time. Dropping back in trip is not ideal but he won’t be far away. Horantzau D’airy (Danny) won over two miles at Punchestown and this trip could be what he needs. We’re expecting a big run. Pink In The Park (Brian Hayes) has a chance but she wouldn’t want any more rain.
We have four in the Galway Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles. Zarak The Brave (Paul) will be suited by the track and ground. We’re happy with him at home and we’ll be disappointed if he’s not in the shake-up. Cash Back (Kieran O’Callaghan) ran well at Tipperary last time but the way this race is likely to be run may not play to his strengths. However, Kieran’s 5lb claim will be a big help. Bialystok (Danny) benefitted from a change of tactics when winning at Punchestown and has every chance if he gets the breaks here. It’s all about getting him settled which should be in easy in a fast run race. Icare Allen (Aiden Kelly) likes a cut in the ground and will be suited by the fast pace.
We have two in the 1m 4f handicap. Stoke The Fire (Colin Keane) was second at Down Royal after a lay off and that run should have put him right for today. He will handle the ground. Aghaboy (Seamus Heffernan) needs to improve a bit if he is to get involved.
I Will Be Baie (Patrick) goes for the bumper over 2m 2f. He is really a winner without a penalty after being disqualified at Punchestown. The extra two furlongs will suit and hopefully a reproduction of the Punchestown run will suffice here.
